Devastating Clothing Factory Fire in Bangladesh Claims a Minimum of 16 Fatalities
At least 16 individuals have perished after a enormous fire erupted at a clothing factory in Bangladesh, with emergency services stating that the death toll could increase.
Sixteen bodies have been found but were charred unrecognizable, the firefighters reported.
Heartbroken relatives assembled outside the multi-story factory in the Mirpur district of Dhaka on Tuesday in looking for their family members still missing.
The blaze, which erupted at the factory around lunchtime, was brought under control after three hours. But an nearby chemical warehouse continued to burn, officials reported.
Until 21:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on Tuesday, the fire at the chemical warehouse had not been entirely put out, news sources indicated.
Emergency responders have not ascertained which of the two buildings ignited initially.
Based on bystanders, the chemical warehouse housed chemical bleaching agents, synthetic polymers and hydrogen peroxide, all of which can accelerate fires. Plastic also emits poisonous gases when ignited.
Law enforcement and armed forces are still searching for the owners of the factory and the warehouse, fire department chief the department director briefed reporters.
An inquiry on whether the warehouse was functioning with proper authorization is also ongoing, he mentioned.
Crying family members gathered outside the burned buildings, many of them clutching photographs of their missing relatives.
Present at the scene is a man searching desperately for his daughter, his family member.
"When I was informed of the fire, I came running. But I still have been unable to find her... I just want my daughter back," he stated to journalists.
The tragic incident has yet again emphasized the hazardous conditions plaguing Bangladesh's apparel manufacturing, which employs millions of workers and is a crucial source of economic income for the country.
